>>> ANIMATION Animation Journeyman Starter Kit 1.1, $59.95,m by Anjon & Associates, is a tutorial package containing a Tricks & Tapes Videotape, together with a disk set full of sample objects (e.g., 25 IFF maps in 24-bit color, for use on 3-D objects), designed to bring the animation novice up to speed in the ways and means of animation as quickly as possible. Anjon also anticipates releasing several 3-D object libraries in support of this program -- and others -- over the next 6 months. CycleMan, $59.95, by Anti Gravity Workshop, is an object-group for Imagine users -- specifically, a human-shaped object group with pre- rolled paths for walking and running. The resulting animation, after final rendering, is of commercial -- even artistic -- quality. How To Animate, $29.95, by TechMedia Video, is a three-part video course on the fundamentals of 2- and 3-D animation, using such Amiga-based products as Deluxe Paint IV, Disney Studio, and Lightwave. The first tape, 54 minutes long, contains an overview of the history of animation, together with descriptions of useful animation software and utilities. Best of all, of course, are the examples, tips and techniques offered by leaders in the field; often their renderings are worth far more than a thousand words.... PACE ("Professional Animation Control Engine"), $3195, by VideoMedia, is a 19" 'stackable' unit for frame-accurate desktop control of animations. The package contains a V-LAN compatible transmitter that attaches to the Amiga's serial port -- while a V-LAN receiver connects to the remote input/output of your VCR, VTR or LaserDisc player. StarFX, $29.95, by Pacific Digital, is an animated starfield background for multimedia use. The program enables the user to develop navigated starfield flights (or "fly-by's") for his or her multimedia production. All the patterns and sounds may be experimented with, combined, saved, played back, re-designed or created anew, giving the user the utmost in flexibility. For you wanna-be George Lucas' out there, this package is worth a serious look. Take 2, £99.95, by Rombo, is an a PAL and NTSC compatible animation program, that includes a 4096-color HAM mode, an animator's peg bar (for holding paper while drawing or digitizing), a dope sheet layout, and the ability to load/save IFF or DeluxePaint images. Once the planning and drawing are complete, Take 2 is able to playback one's work at 24-25 frames/second with up to 4 channels of stereo sound. Transporter, $249.95, by Merlin's Software, is able to link virtually all single frame controllers, the majority of Amiga frame buffers, and all popular display devices. Billed as the "next-generation" animation control program, Transporter is intended to meet the needs of the professional Amiga animator. This demands flexibility -- and flexibility is the hallmark of this program. For in addition to linking most Amiga graphics devices, Transporter provides its user with great flexibility in script generation: loops, reversals and frame repeats may all be factored in and sent to tape. Amiga animators searching for greater flexibility in animation control need look no further than Transporter. >>> ART: SOFTWARE Aegis Draw 2000 2.0, $199.95, by Oxxi, is an improved version of the long-running Aegis series of drawing programs (upgrades for owners of Aegis Draw, Draw Plus and Graphics Starter Kit are $59.95; those for owners of the original Aegis Draw 2000 are $49.95). This latest edition arrives in three versions, each optimized for Amigas having a specific configuration of accelerators and math FPU's. Regardless of which version is selected, however, each is now able to read AutoCAD files, provide parallel and three-point dimensioning, and offer the user configurable menu-items. What is more, for Amigaphiles outside North America, this newest Aegis Draw 2000 supplies both PAL and metric- measurements. And for all Amiga artists, the package includes enhanced output on dot-matrix printers. Aegis SpectraColor for HAM-E, $99.95, by Oxxi, is an improved version of The Aegis paint and animation program. Designed by the creators of Photon Paint, the program is able to load not only 2-, 4-, 8-, 16-, 32- and 64- color pictures, but also those in the Extra Halfbrite mode, the HAM mode and -- naturally -- 24-bit color pictures. And as you may have guessed, Aegis SpectraColor for HAM-E now supports graphics formatted for the 262,144 color Black Belt HAM-E expansion system. Of course, the program retains all the original features of Aegis SpectraColor, including brush wraps, frame animation with freehand or straight paths, and numerous controls for light density, luminosity and direction. Aegis SpectraColor is a WorkBench 2.0 compatible means for creating 4096-color 2- or 3-D movies. If you have art in your heart, this program provides an inexpensive way to explore the creation of computer art. Owners of the original program may upgrade to this latest version for $29.95. Animatrix Modeler 1.02, $99.95, by DuBois Animation, is a computer modelling program patterned to be as much like clay modelling as possible. Color brightness is used to distinguish nearer from further objects or facets; individual faces may be selected for shading by the user. The user is able to perform all operations on a single-screen, full-view of the object(s); the program supports single and grouped- point editing, magnetism and the division of an object's edges and faces. Animatrix reads and writes in Sculpt, Videoscape and Turbo- Imagine formats, is WorkBench 2.0 compatible, requires a minimum of 1.5 MB of RAM (though 3+ is better) and is available in demo-version for $18 -- $15 of which is applicable to purchase of the full-fledged program. Art Department Professional 2.1, $299, by ASDG, is an enhanced version of the graphics program for 'power' artists. Enhancements to 2.0 include support for the JPEG graphics compression technology, a universal loader able to 'read' most file formats, more WYSIWYG operators, greater WorkBench 2.0 compatibility (i.e., it is able to make use of the enhanced features of KickStart 2.0) and superior color technology. The program now is able to use any printer supported by the Amiga to create 24-bit color prints or 8-bit gray scale prints. Version 2.1.0 has such improvements as a preprinter with 8 new dithering methods, a new IFF form (SPLT) for greater ease in transferring graphics data between computer platforms and FRED, a frame editor designed to assist users in organizing their pictures into list-sequences for video or animation purposes. Also bundled with 2.1.0 are a faster roll operator and a broadcast limit operator that corrects colors for NTSC, PAL or custom standards. Owners of Version 2.0 may upgrade to 2.1 for free; those who own Version 1.0 may upgrade for $75, and those who own The Art Department (Unprofessional?) may upgrade for $130. Art Department Professional Film Support Module, $250, by ASDG, allows users of Art Department Professional to write entire animations - - including wipes, fades, transitions, digital compositions, and dissolves -- directly to film, using Lasergraphic's LFR or LFR Plus film recorders. Auto Race Thrills, $49.95, is a set of 39 digitized, artistically enhanced images of NASCAR, SCCA, Indy-500, NHRA and dirt track modified race cars. These were converted from 24-bit color, and then made available on disk in both 352 X 480 and 704 X 480 resolutions. Caligari Broadcast 2.1, $1995, by Octree Software, is an upgraded version of the 3-D ray tracing program. Optimized for '030 and '040 accelerated Amigas, the package now includes such features as Gourand, Phong, environment and metal shading; an unlimited number of lights or light-sources; a 32-bit renderer with texture mapping; free-form deformation; 4-level transparency and anti-aliasing; and quaternion spline animations. With improved point-editing, slicing, sweeping and mirroring, Caligari Broadcast now is able to read and write in Sculpt3D, Lightwave and Videoscape formats. Its display potential is impressive, being capable of resolutions up to 8000 X 8000 and supporting display enhancers such as HAM-E, ImpactVision-24, DCTV, Targa+ or Vista, and Harlequin. Digi-View Media Station, $249.95, by NewTek, is an integrated package of some of NewTek's best graphics programs. Included in the program are Digi-View 4.0, Digi-Paint 3.0, Elan Performer 2.0 -- together with the award-winning Digi-View digitizing hardware. This one looks like a genuine bargain.... Deluxe Paint 4.1, by Electronic Arts, is an update of the incredibly powerful -- and successful -- paint and animation program. Among the new features are: faster anti-aliasing, support for scalable fonts (under WorkBench 2.04), extended color selection, enhanced paint stenciling, and full page metamorphosis. European artists will be especially appreciative of the new PAL-mode playback utility. Users who purchased DPIV after 17 January 1992 may upgrade to this newest edition for $7.50 (you must include the program disk with the money), while owners of DPIII can upgrade by sending EA both the title page of their manual and $67. The special address for upgrades is: Electronic Arts Upgrade P.O. Box 7530 San Mateo, CA 94403-7530 USA Exotic Cars, Vols. I and II, $49.95 each, by AmiGrafix, is a two-disk set of two sports car "objects" in Imagine, Lightwave and 3-D Pro formats. Each car-object is FULLY articulated, with opening doors and windows, rotating wheels, illuminable lights, adjustable mirrors, and headlights that can be popped-up or hidden. Expert 4D Jr; $79, by Genisoft, is a 3-D modelling and animation program that uses preformed 2- and 3-D 'primitive' shapes as the basis for generating more complex images. The package supplies a separate rendering module, full control over camera position and perspective and up to ten lamps of different intensity, color and aperture. Expert Draw, $99, by Genisoft, is a structured drawing program able to import of Aegis2000 and ProDraw images and output with full RGB and CMKY color control and separation. Expert Draw provides vectored-structured drawing with full Bezier functions, while at the same time including color blending, autotrace, metamorphosis, rotation and distortion for even greater editing power and control. Full 24, $175 for the complete set of sets (otherwise $50 per set), by AirStream Graphics, consists of 5 different sets of 10 scanned 24-bit pictures for use in video and animation work and in graphic design. The sets include backgrounds, brush maps, bump maps, space or star scenes and textures (of course!). Interested graphics artists may obtain a demo kit for $15. Genesis: The Third Day, $149.95, by MicroIllusions, is a fractal landscape generator and animator providing the user with complete control over ALL fractal parameters -- such as dimension, roughness, shading and height. Using this program will enable you to create landscapes of real places (with DEM data from government or private sources) or of places unimagined by anyone but you. The generator can handle up to 118,000 points, 2500 lakes, 1200 springs, and 236,000 triangles -- with up to five levels of recursion -- so there is enough power for even the most demanding modeller. The program's animation capabilities are script-based, employing commands for drawing pictures by means of keyframes. Other features include ARexx support, 5 drawing modes, and file support for most animation or modelling formats. ImageMaster, $249.95, by Black Belt Systems, is a WorkBench 2.0 compatible 24-bit image processing, paint, analysis and composition software package. Its features include true infinite morphing, which supplies the user with absolute control over the colorimetry and process geometry of the morph between or 'over' any number of 24-bit images -- which are themselves 'tweened' automatically. ImageMaster requires 3 MB of RAM, supports both NTSC and PAL displays, and is available in a version that supports Impulse's Firecracker-24 display board. Male and Female Object Design, $34.95, by Earthquake Productions, brings the Garden of Eden to your Amiga, furnishing you with male and female objects having the same number of points and faces for easy morphing. Each object is faceted for easy shading, smoothing and texture mapping... and each object includes eyes, ears, hair and thumbs. Now you too can design human beings to your liking -- and save them in such formats as Imagine, Lightwave, Sculpt, Turbo Silver, Videoscape and Draw 4D. Pixel Perfect 24, $399.95 on disk; $499.95 on Syquest cartridge, by Digital Designs Group, is a collection of 150 full-screen (752 X 480) 24-bit color images. Occupying either 46 disks in the JPEG compression format or a single 44 MB Syquest cartridge, the 93 MB set contains images of seashores, mountains, sunsets and sunrises, and pastoral scenery. Each image is not only processed for a 105 IRE limit (for video broadcast compatibility), but is also perfectly sized for version 2.0 of the Video Toaster. Last, each image of the Pixel Perfect 24 group can easily be converted to other platform's graphics standards, such as TIFF, GIFF, TARGA, PCX and BMP. Polyhedra, $25, by Technical Tools, is a set of 50 polyhedral or geometric solids for users of Imagine. The program provides each object two forms: as a solid object (with faces colored to show planes of symmetry), and as a wire-frame. Among the images are: 13 Archimedean solids with their dual solids, 10 prisms and anti-prisms, 5 Platonic solids, and a handful of stellated solids. Professional Conversion Pack, $90, by ASDG, is a format conversion module for users of Art Department Professional. With this conversion pack, it is now possible for the Art Department to read and write in such 'professional' graphics formats as X11 and SUN -- the former runs on UNIX workstations; the latter on the famed Sun workstations. Also supplied is alpha channel support for controlling compositing in the SUN format, along with similar alpha channels for the TARGA and Rendition loaders already included with the Art Department. ProVector 2.1, $299.95, by Stylus, is the newest version of the structured, object-oriented drawing program. Among its latest features are object manipulation tools configured to remain selected until another function is called, a multiple UNDO function supporting many more of the esoteric operations, additional ARexx support, more macro flexibility, and the ability to import DR2D-formatted images into the program's workspace. ProVector now includes a spline-drawing method that permits real-time curve drawing, the ability to move a curve while retaining its slope, user-configurable rulers, and real-time display of objects while editing. Even with all of these changes, the program remains very fast, friendly (it multi-tasks with ease) and useful for most quasi-CAD purposes. PSImport, $89.95, by Stylus, is a modular addition to Stylus' ProVector program. With PSImport, the user is able to import Encapsulated PostScript structured drawings into the Amiga's IFF-DR2D format, where they are view- and manipulable within ProVector. Alternately, imported drawings may be saved in IFF-DR2D, IFF-ILBM or other formats supported by ProVector, for use with other programs able to read/write information in one of these formats. Moreover, PSImport gives users the ability to convert most Type 1 PostScript fonts into the IFF-OFNT outline font format supported by ProVector. PSImport requires 1 MB of RAM, and is compatible with AmigaDOS 2.0. It should also be noted that users who wish to import drawings from other platforms must make use of either a modem or a conversion/transfer utility such as CrossDOS or DOS-2-DOS; PSImport does NOT translate from one platform's format to another's. The Big Rig Set, $49.95, by Mach Universe, is a 3-D big rig truck-and- trailer object for users of Lightwave 3-D. The object-image consists of over 16,000 polygons, and includes such features as head- and taillights, movable wheels, mirrors, and blinkers. Also included is a "plug-n-play" scene file for Lightwave's load-from-scene option. Virtual Reality Studio, $89.95, by DoMark, is a design utility incorporating the dynamics of virtual reality. Originating in Europe, the program is one of the first to bring the possibilities inherent in virtual reality to the 'average' computer user. What does it do? It allows the user to quickly (?) and easily create a 3-D world and then smoothly move 'through' it, viewing and exploring it from any angle or perspective. With uses ranging from game creation to designing real- world houses or vehicles, Virtual Reality Studio provides an inexpensive tool for the creation and exploration of virtual reality: the user simply manipulates a small number of program building blocks to generate an environment, which can then be manipulated by means of a simple control language. Who will be the first to transform the blueprints of the Starship Enterprise into a virtual-reality vehicle? Vista Pro 2.0, $99.95, by Virtual Reality Laboratories, is an improved version of the already trend-setting virtual landscape program. This latest edition permits the user to import more data into a given frame, thus increasing the detail or resolution of the final rendering. And for even greater realism, Vista Pro 2.0 allows the addition of buildings, as well as trees or desert flora. The program requires a minimum of 3 MB of RAM, and supports such display enhancers as Colorburst, DCTV, Firecracker-24, HAM-E, Harlequin and the Video Toaster. Features inherited from previous version(s) include ARexx support, an animation utility, definable backgrounds and foregrounds, and wire-frame preview. An accelerator is recommended. Coupons for discounts for supplemental utilities such as MakePath or Terraform are also included. >>> ART: TUTORIALS Advanced Techniques with Deluxe Paint IV, $29.95, by Saddleback Graphics, is an instructional videotape containing a variety of tips, hints and demonstrations of techniques for achieving drop shadows, 3-D text, color-cycle animation, textures, professional titling, etc., with Deluxe Paint IV. The intent of the tape is to show the viewer how to create special or spectacular effects at a professional level of quality. Buddy System for Deluxe Paint IV, $49.95, by HelpDisk, supplies a friendly, on-line reference to the features and intricacies of Deluxe Paint IV. Using the exclusive "AniMouse" instructor, the Buddy System provides optional visual demonstrations of DPIV features, complete with spoken narration and printed captions. The two-disk package contains the latest information on DPIV, and employs an improved hypertext interface to provide the user with beginner and advanced tutorials, AnimBrush fundamentals, animation instructions, and information on all the DPIV commands. And with a point-and-click interface, summoning help couldn't be easier. Buddy System for Imagine 2.0, $49.95, by HelpDisk, is another of HelpDisk's on-line tutorials -- this time for Imagine 2.0, the 3-D animation and rendering program. Like the other Buddy System programs, this one makes use of the exclusive "AniMouse" instructor, speech narration, hypertext, and visual demonstrations to guide the user through the intricacies of Imagine 2.0. Requiring 1.5 MB of RAM, the Buddy System is one way of getting up to speed on a new program...fast! Deluxe Paint IV Video Guide, $29.95, by Saddleback Graphics, is a videotaped introduction and overview of Deluxe Paint IV, its new menus, HAM mode, metamorphosis, translucencies, the light table, the new animation control panel, palette mixer, Range requester, and other recent features. With quick hints and tips, the tape provides a painless introduction to what is arguably the most powerful computer paint program on any platform. Guide to Deluxe Paint IV, $3.95, by Vidia, is a quick reference guide to the commands and features of DPIV. Material covered includes perspective, 3-D rotations, metamorphoses, color schemes, and animation. So, if the above helps for DPIV do not entice you, try the Guide... the price is certainly right! Understanding Imagine 2.0, $29.95, by Apex Software Publishing, is a 200+ page guide through every aspect of Imagine 2.0. Written by Steven Worley, an acknowledged master of Imagine 2.0, the book is said to be a model of what good documentation should be -- it should have been bundled with the Imagine 2.0 package. The book includes a disk of examples, contains both appendices and index, and is bound for lying flat -- a nice touch. >>> CAD GFX-CAD, $359, by Grafx Computing, is a smooth integration of the most recent versions of X-Cad Professional and X-Shell into one program. The resulting hybrid provides users with both the speed of X-Cad and the friendliness of X-Shell. The latter's menu system now uses the overscan area, thus enabling an entire drawing to be viewed without interference by the menus. Also included in this powerful package are a rewritten X- Shell manual and a 6-month subscription to the Grafx Computing monthly newsletter, for additional hints and tips on using GFX-CAD. Owners of X-CAD may upgrade for $49; owners of X-Shell, for $169 Pro-Board 3.0, $439, by Prolific, is an upgraded circuit-design program. New features include support for 18-layer PCB's, along with HPGL and Photo plotters; increased routing density, full autoreplacement and autorouting, surface mount design support, net optimization, metric and English dimensioning and coordinates; and a fully-functional zoom mode. >>> FONTS AFGA Fonts, by AFGA Corp., is a set of Intellifont scalable font packages ranging over 250 typefaces compatible with AmigaDOS 2.0. Selections include: Amiga Companion Pack, 4 typefaces, $69 Amiga Decorative Starter Pack, 4 typefaces, $59 Amiga Starter Pack, 4 typefaces, $69 Bulletins/Newsletters Pack, 12 typefaces, $159 Decorative Series, 5 Volumes with 6 typefaces/volume, $129 each Individual Volumes, 4 typefaces in each, $99 Laser Type, 35 typefaces, $199 Office Communications Pack, 12 typefaces, $159 Presentations Pack, 12 typefaces, $159 Styles Unlimited, 25 typefaces, $199 Video Unlimited, 25 typefaces, $199 AnimFonts 4, $59.95, by Kara, is a two-disk set containing the Gothic- styled CHROME-chisel-SCRIPT 115-pt, hi-res ColorFont. The package includes two versions of this font: a keyboard version, and an animated version in which animated characters first wipe a static image onto the screen and then burn it off with a laser light. Both versions include special characters, upper- and lower-case, numerals, and alternate characters for such letters as l, r, s, and z. The package also includes a program for easy hard disk installation, utilities for use with ColorFonts, and extra palettes of color. Broadcast Fonts 3D, $49.95 each or $149.95 for three volume set; by Unili Graphics, is a set of nine typefaces now available in Caligari-2, Imagine or Lightwave 3D formats. Each typeface includes full character sets, with symbols (such as punctuation), upper- and lower-case, and numerals. And each typeface is designed for optional Phong shading; they have named polygon ranges for the fronts, sides and backs for easy attribute setting. Moreover, the Caligari-2 version makes use of the AQPoints system for maintaining proper angles while generating a curve. A free demo disk or an inexpensive video is also available from Unili. Fontgrabber, $75, by Genisoft, is a British-made program for creating high-quality monochrome fonts from IFF images. The images -- from whatever source (designed, painted, or scanned) -- are simply loaded into the program, a box drawn around them, and then transformed into fonts by Fontgrabber. The program is so powerful -- and flexible -- that it can transform even graphic images (e.g., chess pieces) into fonts. I'd like to see what it could do with some Nagel clipart.... Fun Fonts, $39.95, by Allied Studios, is a set of VERY large, detailed fonts for whimsical or humorous video titling. The set includes 23, 80- pt tall, CG fonts for the Video Toaster; and another 23 AmigaDOS fonts that are double the size of the Toaster fonts. Among the named fonts are: Achilles, Flash Caps, Circus, Orleans Open, Frankenstein, Frisco, Tarantella, and Panorama. Image Fonts 01, $29.95, by CRC Productions, is a three-disk set of typefaces for use in Imagine. Each set contains four styles of one all- capitals (and numerals) 3-D font. All styles support Phong-shading and come in the following varieties: bevel-edged face, plain-edged face, embossed-edge face with plain-edged center (a two piece font). ProStream PostScript Type-1 Fonts, $37.95, by Allied Studios, is a bargain-priced, six-disk collection of fonts for Amiga users. Two of the disks contain 114 AmigaDOS standard, bitmap fonts; two of the disks contain 38 Professional Page PostScript fonts (usable in all versions since 1.2); and two of the disks contain PageStream versions of the ProPage PostScript fonts, together with an additional 12 PostScript fonts in PageStream format. Soft-Logik Typeface Library, by Soft-Logik, is a collection of 600 PostScript Type-1 fonts for use in PageStream2 or any other PostScript application; a few additional fonts in the PostScript Type-3 format (for PostScript printers ONLY!) are also included. All of the fonts are converted from the huge Image Club collection for the MacIntosh platform. Pricing depends upon the font bundle chosen: Classic Fonts, Designer Fonts, Newsletter Fonts, and Starter Fonts, each with 8 PostScript fonts, are $99.95 Classic Fonts or Designer fonts, each with 16 different PostScript fonts, are $199.95 Single families of fonts are $25 apiece. The Headlines 3, $79.95, by Kara, is a package of four Video Toaster fonts converted to 8-color, hi-res ColorFonts. The styles included are: CHROME-serif, GOLD-extrude, GRANITE-chisel, and MARBLE-bevel, each font being supplied in 76, 100, and 124-pt sizes. Also included is a utility for fast hard drive installation, extra RGB and video palettes, and ColorFont utilities. VideoFonts, $99 per package, by Gold Disk, is a set of five different scalable outline font packages, each containing three fonts. Each font derives from AFGA CompuGraphics technology, and was selected because of its particular usefulness in video work. Fonts may be created in a number of styles with complete user-control over dimensions, thickness and angles. Utilities are also supplied for scaling the fonts, jaggie- free, to any size; making them available for use with the Video Toaster; or for creating variations of any existing typeface/font. Available styles are: Decorative-1 Package consists of Avant Garde, Triumvirate and Universe Medium Condensed fonts. Decorative-2 package includes Microstyle, Microstyle Extended, and Shannon. Sans Serif-1 features Letraset Revue Light, Letraset Revue Shadow and Zapf Chancery Medium typefaces. Sans Serif-2 contains Brush, Cooper Black and Dom Casual fonts. Serif-1 is composed of Clarendon Book, Melliza, and Tiffany Medium typefaces. >>< VIDEO: HARDWARE Chromakey+, $395, by MicroSearch, is an upgraded version of the "Chromakeyer/Switcher" described in Issue 20 of NewsFlash: "ChromaKey/Switcher ($395), by MicroSearch, is a hardware accessory that permits the user to put live video in front of computer graphics along with other video-mixing. Requiring an external genlock, ChromaKey accepts any composite video signal, as well as any Amiga text, graphic or animation, as a mixing source. Objects or backgrounds that are blue will appear transparent, allowing the Amiga screen to show through. The switcher is capable of duplicating studio-level video effects, while at the same time, not requiring a time base corrected input. Included with the ChromaKey are two disks of graphics, a 'demo' videotape, and a chroma-blue cloth for backdrops." New to the Chromakey+ are a video filter, separate chroma input for smoother edges; and a higher video bandwidth. And, by using the linear- key signal, it is now possible to control the Chromakey+ from the Video Toaster. DPS-230 Component Transcoding TBC, $1995, by Digital Processing Systems, is a commercial broadcast quality time-base controller for use with the Video Toaster. The unit features infinite window memory, freeze frame and field, variable strobe, digital color balance controls, NTSC and S- Video inputs and outputs (with full 5.5 MHz bandwidth in S-Video mode), Y/C adjustments, digital processor amp. controls with non-volatile memories; RS-232C remote control; and the ability for use a genlock. EVO-9650 Hi8 Video Deck, < $6000, by Sony, is a frame-accurate VTR controllable by either RS-232C or Sony's VISCA protocols (using the latter permits independent control of up to 7 video devices as a VISCA network from a single serial port). The machine provides more than 400 lines of resolution, and has a port for a slide-in encoder for NTSC, S- Video, PAL, RGB, or composite video -- depending upon the user's needs. In-Sync TBC, $1299, by Expert Services, is a time-base corrector for the A2000 or A3000. With TV frame synchronization, the In-Sync TBC installs internally within the Amiga. Onboard is a microprocessor that allows complete control of each board from the Amiga; it is smart enough to sense input references and adjust accordingly. In-Sync inputs include one SVHS, one BB ("Black Burst") and two composite; outputs are one SVHS, one BB, and one composite. The unit requires 1 MB, and is both NTSC and PAL compatible. MediaPhile Serial Controller, $195, by Interactive Microsystems, provides the user complete automated edit control, when used in conjunction with the MediaEditor program. The unit is another in a series of video deck controllers, the Serial Controller supplying full control over Sony camcorders and decks -- as well as Canon and Ricoh camcorders. As the name suggests, it connects to the Amiga via the serial port, and contains one remote control input, an infrared control output, a SMPTE timecode input, a JVC port-swap control, and an output for Sony S-port. The result is easy video editing with near frame accuracy. Pro MkII and Pro/TC MkII, $695 and $1198, by Future Video, are among the first of the next generation of Future Video's video controllers. Both can edit to within 3 frames and read the new 8 mm RC timecode supported by Ricoh, Sony and Yashica. And each now has a 7-digit LED display showing hours/minutes/seconds/frames of RC code or control-track timing. The Pro/TC also displays the EBU or longitudinal SMPTE timecodes. The Pro series of video controllers is compatible with any camcorder or VCR equipped with the Control-L connector, some professional VCR's that have RS-232C control, and with Panasonic's 5-pin edit terminal. RocGen Plus, $379, by Roctec, is a second-generation genlock that features such bonuses as an RGB pass-through, a composite pass-through and both RGB and composite ports. Using the two independent manual controls, the user can do fades and dissolves on both RGB and video signals. The unit is available in both NTSC and PAL versions, has automatic power sensing, and includes an input for a Roctec chromakeyer. Spectrum VideoFrame Grabber, $549, by Preferred Technologies, is a frame buffer, frame grabber and video digitizer for the Amiga. The frame grabber is able to 'snag' images 'on the fly' or in real-time -- all in 24-bit color -- while the digitizer is able to catch and digitize images from a 16.8 million color palette. A special VCR mode that computes each scan line, two BNC connectors (for composite video), a parallel data port, LED status indicators, and a 2-year warranty are also included in the package. TBCard, $995, by I.Den, is a timebase corrector that plugs into an expansion slot of the A2000 or A3000. The unit furnishes infinite window timebase correction and synchronization from any video source. It also features a bandwidth of 5.5 MHz and a broadcast quality signal. TBCard/TR-7, $1130, by I.Den, is a remote box used with the TBCard for controlling field and frame freezes, proc. amp. functions, and system timing. Telefire, by Western Light, is a screen that you hang in front of your TV or computer screen. The result is a series of ever-changing, colorful kaleidoscopic patterns, said to be reminiscent of the Mindlight 7. Prices depend upon the size of the screen: Cubit-30 fits 19-21" sets $110 Cubit-40 fits 25-30" screens $140 VCR-ROM, $205, by Edu-Vid Research, is a device enabling the user to integrate true full-motion sound and video with programs. Or video may be overlayed over computer output, using a genlock. Output may be displayed on either a separate monitor, or on a monitor easily switchable from composite to RGB. The package requires a VCR with search capability. Vidi-Amiga 12, £99.95, by Rombo, is an inexpensive digitizer able to capture monochrome images in real time and color images in less than one second. The unit supports several screen modes and displays up to 640 X 400, and can read/save IFF-ILBM and ANIM files. Other features include composite or S-video input, advanced error diffusion stipling, cut and paste with masking, X- or Y- axis flip of a grabbed image, multiframe storage and animated playback, image capture into a user-specified window, and multi-tasking software. Best of all is what the digitizer does NOT have or require: a separate RGB splitter and various color filters. >>> VIDEO: SOFTWARE AdClips Vo. 1, $299, by Mediacom, is a collection of 185 commercial quality video clips, available in VHS, S-VHS, Hi-8 or 8 mm format. Ranging in length from 6 to 21 seconds, the clips are organized according to theme, including such areas as history, wildlife, city scenes, transportation, recreation, lifestyles and corporate/industrial. Beyond Backgrounds, $99.95, by FrostByte, is a ten-disk set of 24-bit IFF overscan images for use (as the title suggests) as backgrounds in business, multimedia or video presentations. Designed by Derek Grime, the images are each of commercial or professional quality, while the set itself is compatible with any product that can display 24-bit color IFF images, such as DCTV, Firecracker-24, HAM-E, and Impact-24. Educator Set, $39.95, by CeV Designs, is a set of backdrops selected from CeV's multi-volume "Video Visions" collection of video backdrops (see Issue 25 of NewsFlash); Volumes 6, 11 and 12 comprise the Educator Set. Volume 6, or "World Maps", is a 4 disk set of topographic maps of the United States, individual States, and a number of other countries. Volume 11, "The Reporter", is a two-disk set of hi-res scenes of school scenes, graduation ceremonies and school sports. And Volume 12, "The Producer", is a single disk filled with scenes of current and historical political and governmental images. Pro Fills 2.0, $49.95, by JEK Graphics, is a standalone program for creating overscan IFF background images in full color. Now compatible with AmigaDOS 2.0, the Pro Fills includes a set of patterns and textures -- together with 30 different palettes (RGB or composite) for modifying them. Also furnished with the package is a utility called "The Screen Generator", which can render any Pro Fills screen in any Amiga resolution in less than 2 seconds; and a large, illustrated manual filled with tips, hints, and tutorials on the creation of backdrops. Scala 500, $179, distributed by GVP, is a scaled down version of the powerful video titling and presentation package intended for use on the A500 and other Amigas with only 512K of chip RAM. The package includes many of the features found on the original, full-strength, Scala: a variety of easily readable, classic fonts; fades, wipes, scrolling, and colorfade transitions; special effects such as shadows, tilt, color or underlining; and a collection of clip art and backgrounds. What the program does NOT include is its big brother's support for anti-aliasing, animation or interactivity. True Colors for Video, $139.95 -- $299.95, by Texture City, is a set of five different packages of hi-res, true color, 24-bit professional- quality images. Subjects range from animal skins to metals, and include such diverse textures as hand-blown glass, scenic views, and quarry marble. Three of the five packages include 40 different textures, and are available in either 24-bit IFF, DCTV or HAM-E formats. The remaining two packages have 15 images apiece in 24-bit IFF format. Video Calibration Set, $49.95, by Vidia, is a set of tests for tuning a computer monitor precisely to an absolute standard. The set features 6 brightness and contrast tests, 6 color tests (including SMPTE color bars), as well as tests for interlace flicker, color and grayscale linearity, phosphor burn, electron beam convergence, and spatial linearity. It also includes three test patterns for testing the adjustment of video cameras. Finally, the Video Calibration Set requires the use of a genlock for proper operation. Video Spice Rack, $5, by James Rudy, is a collection of three kinds of video screens for creating special video effects. The first class of screen is the "Mask", and includes such images as keyholes, crosshairs, binoculars, viewfinders, etc. The second contains animated wipes, among them ooze running down the screen or flames burning through the screen. And the third class of screens is simply that of clip art, which includes such images as exclamation points, speech balloons and light bulbs. Other sets of effects are said to be "in the works". >>> VIDEO: TUTORIALS Amiga Desktop Videography, $39.95, by MichTron, is a 424 page book by R. Shamms Mortier, Ph. D, (a frequent contributor to Amiga-specific magazines in the States). The book covers the history, operation and future of the Amiga; together with such Amiga-oriented topics as drawing and painting tools, sound programs, animation, video, and peripherals. Also included is a demo disk of an authoring system called VIVA. >>> VIDEO: TOASTER Breadboard, $398, by Cardinal Video, is a video buffer and delay board for Toaster users. Designed to be installed in the A2000, the Breadboard provides unity gain by means of 5 video amplifiers, three of which have user-adjustable delay lines connectable to Toaster inputs. The result is a unit that permits downstream keying of Toaster signals by other video equipment. Scriptgen, $49.95, by Troy Soft, is a program for fast and easy creation of ARexx scripts for Video Toaster slide shows. Scripts are edited evenly by the built-in "Trim and Expand" function, and the user may change from 1.0 to 2.0 DVEs by changing projects. The script generator permits auto fade, change book, changing projects, backgrounds, and GPI triggering, for precise transitions. The program can assemble CG pages and frame pictures, and its scripts can be edited by a word processor. Best of all, a script can be played simply by entering its name, and watching the Toaster respond. Toast and Coffee, $48/year, by Videographix, is a bimonthly "user's group on video" for owners of the Video Toaster. Each edition is filled with hints, tips, demos, and the best of the subscribers' submissions. Toaster Crustacean Videos, $34.95 (sampler tapes for $19.95), by Toaster Crustaceans, is a set of 2 hour video tutorials examining and demonstrating the latest in Amiga applications. Volume 5, the most recent, focuses on the new Video Toaster, specifically Toaster System 2.0. Toaster Sequence Editor, $75, by The Byte Factory, allows the user to control all Toaster functions accessible by ARexx using script files created within the program's point-and-click environment. The resulting scripts can be saved as ARexx programs, but will work even if Arexx is not available. Using the Toaster Sequence Editor, videographers may set inputs, load and save frames, perform transitions, rearrange video effects, create loops, call other ARexx or AmigaDOS scripts, change default speeds (even into variable speeds!), or add/delete effects -- all from a project file. The program is compatible with both WorkBench 1.3 and 2.0 and Toaster versions 1.0 and 2.0, and can be used from either Shell or WorkBench. TRexx Professional, $79.95, by Kludgecode, is yet another program for quickly and easily creating ARexx scripts for controlling every ARexx- controllable aspect of the Video Toaster -- or any other devices attached to the Amiga's serial port. Scripts may have loop points (for demos-made-easy) and time delays, and can call on AmigaDOS scripts or commands for execution within or outside the scripted process. TRexx Professional is compatible with AmigaDOS 1.3 and 2.0 Video Toaster 2.0, $2495, including hardware (software upgrades for $395), by NewTek, is -- as you probably know -- the new operating system for the Video Toaster. What you may not realize, however, is that this next generation of Toaster software offers the user 50% more effects, including whole new modes, such as soft-edge transitions, real-time warping, and organic effects (e.g., breaking glass, clouds, fire, pouring liquid or tearing paper). Also included is a completely rewritten object modeller, a sharper luminance key mode; new fonts; more objects; an alpha channel mode for 32-bit applications; and better output. The paint program included with the Toaster, Lightwave, has been improved as well, with more than 100 new features added to it. Ah, what Orson Welles could have done with one of these!